The players embarked on early morning run in the woods today before training kicked off good and proper at 10.30. There was one absentee today - Eddy Onazi. The Nigerian midfielder is having some muscular pain and asked the club if he could rest for a few days as he suffered the problem with the Primavera recently and wants to ensure he is in perfect condition to give himself the best opportunity of breaking into the first team. Petkovic and his staff agreed and Onazi is set to return early next week.

The morning session began with some technique and ball possession exercises. Petkovic put the players through their paces until they had little more to give and was heard shouting "goals make the difference" on occasion from the touchline. Petkovic promised to bring something new to Serie A and the squad appear to be learning the hard way. Fitness coach Rognoni takes charge of the workouts shortly afterwards and demands even more from the players.

Shortly before noon, the session ended. Ledesma, Hernanes, Kozak and Alfaro remained on the field for 10 minutes. The goalkeepers, who had less to endure physically continued to training into part of the afternoon. Petkovic was overheard commending Zarate for his efforts in recent days.

The evening session was scheduled for 5.30pm but the boys were sent to the gym at 4.30. The rain poured continuously but that did not stop Petkovic from sending the boys out onto the field. An 11 v 11 match took place at the end of the session. The very, very early signs are pointing to a 4-4-2 system but Petkovic's tactical plans may have been hit with a slight injury to Hernanes who came out of a tussle with Diakite' for the worse. Diakite' apologised and all is well.